United News of Bangladesh

The European Union (EU) on Saturday said they look forward to working with the new government of Bangladesh to ‘intensify’ relations and stand ready to support reforms that are underpinned by respect for democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law.  The European Union welcomes the holding of genuinely competitive parliamentary elections and referendum in Bangladesh in a peaceful atmosphere, said the EU Spokesperson in a statement issued from Brussels, Belgium, stating that the people of Bangladesh have exercised their democratic rights in large numbers. The EU deployed an Election Observation Mission, which presented its preliminary findings in a press conference where it noted that the elections were credible and competently managed, marking a pivotal step towards restoring democratic governance and rule of law. The mission’s final report will be published later this year. “We call on stakeholders to work together to deliver on the constitutional, judicial and other important reforms for which popular support has been expressed in the referendum and note the vital role of the new Parliament in this regard,” said the EU Spokesperson. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman congratulated the people of Bangladesh after his party’s landslide victory in the 13th national election, declaring that ‘we all are free from today’. “This victory belongs to Bangladesh, to democracy and to the pro-democracy people,” Tarique said at his first press conference following the national election, held at a city hotel.  

International Republican Institute (IRI), a Washington-based organisation dedicated to advancing democracy and freedom globally, on Saturday said the new government in Bangladesh, to be formed within days, should swiftly implement the July Charter reforms and ensure institutions deliver for all Bangladeshis. “Now that the election is over, the hard work of governing lies ahead and the enthusiasm of the Bangladeshi people needs to be translated into action,” said David Dreier, the IRI delegation leader and former United States Congressman (R-CA). Significant underrepresentation of women, along with ethnic and religious minorities, among candidates remains a serious concern, said the IRI. The IRI deployed a delegation of international election observers to Dhaka from February 9 to 13, 2026, to assess the conduct of the February 12 elections.  The election marks an inflection point for a country navigating a complex democratic transition following the July 2024 uprising that ended over 15 years of Awami League rule, IRI said. The delegation met a broad range of stakeholders, including the Bangladesh Election Commission, political parties, interim government officials, and civic organizations from across the Bangladeshi political spectrum, to assess the electoral environment and prospects for democratic renewal. “Security forces and the Election Commission performed admirably. After years of authoritarian rule, Election Day was mostly peaceful and incident-free. Given the historical context, that is a big step forward for Bangladesh,” said Dreier. While election administration was technically sound, the broader political environment remains fragile, IRI said. In the immediate post-election period, the delegation encourages political candidates to use legal channels to resolve disputes. The delegation will continue to monitor the post-election process and issue a final, comprehensive report that includes in-depth analysis and recommendations to improve future elections.  Preliminary Findings Pre-election Period: Compared to previous electoral cycles, the pre-election period was relatively peaceful, though clashes occurred during the campaign period across multiple districts, involving supporters of rival political parties. Hundreds of violent incidents were reported nationwide in the weeks leading up to voting; however, they appeared localised and not centrally coordinated.  The political environment remained polarized and politically delicate. Long-term analysts noted that some remarks concerning pluralism, equal representation, and the participation of women and ethnic and religious minority communities were made by political party supporters at the local level. However, it was not always clear whether these statements reflected official party positions or messaging. While such instances were limited, they created uncertainty among stakeholders about commitments to political pluralism.  Voter Participation Reforms allowing citizens turning 18 on or before Election Day to vote expanded participation. However, concerns remain about the historical undercounting of women on the voter roll. Positively, many first-time voters, many of whom are under the age of 35, voted on Election Day. Voter turnout stands at 59 percent, marking a significant increase from the previous parliamentary election. Election Commission Conduct The Election Commission demonstrated substantial logistical preparedness and executed a complex national operation professionally and effectively. The Commission’s operational transparency represented notable progress compared with prior election cycles. Reforms such as adopting postal voting for Bangladeshis living abroad, establishing criteria for accrediting citizen observers, and launching a nationwide voter education campaign enhanced transparency and credibility. Transparency and Oversight Strong participation from engaged political party polling agents, citizens, and international observers ensured a high level of transparency at many polling stations. However, the delegation noted that while the Commission established criteria to accredit citizen observers and lowered the minimum age to participate from 25 to 21, the allocated observation period of three days is insufficient to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the election. The Commission should extend the time available for observers to fully analyze the cycle before, during, and after elections, including through the adjudication of disputes and the gazetting of the new parliament.    Political Participation Significant underrepresentation of women, along with ethnic and religious minorities, among candidates remains a serious concern. However, no widespread or systematic targeting of minority communities was observed on Election Day, but localized tensions indicate potential vulnerability. Turnout patterns in minority communities should be reviewed against national averages to identify potential anomalies.  Importantly, historical precedent suggests minority communities may face heightened vulnerability during political transitions, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance. Besides, the suspension of one of the country’s largest political parties from contesting the election resulted in a political environment in which not all political preferences were represented on the ballot. While the electoral process proceeded as administered, the absence of a major political actor narrowed the scope of competition. Addressing questions related to participation and representation will require continued dialogue and engagement among stakeholders. Election Day Administration Voting commenced largely on time, essential materials were present, and presiding officers were professional and effective. Queues were orderly and calm, and no widespread or systematic interference with voting was observed. Polling stations generally closed on time, counting and tabulation were transparent, efficient, and conducted without significant disruption. Many voting rooms were located on upper floors and were not accessible to people with disabilities. The absence of ramps or other structural accommodations posed barriers for elderly and mobility-impaired voters.  Polling station layouts generally provided adequate privacy for voters; however, the delegation noted instances in which voters who were confused about the meaning and substance of the referendum ballot sought reasonable clarification from polling agents and officers, which may at times have compromised the secrecy of their ballots.  Instances of partisan political activity were observed near polling station entrances. Groups described as ‘volunteers’ were gathered outside certain polling stations and, in some cases, moved collectively toward polling station entrances. While these activities did not systematically disrupt voting, their proximity raises the risk of undue influence and perceptions of unequal campaign conditions. Security Environment The election was conducted under a high security alert, with extensive deployment of police, army units, Border Guard Bangladesh, Rapid Action Battalion, Ansar, and village defense forces nationwide. Authorities designated thousands of polling centers as “high risk” and implemented pre-emptive patrols, checkpoints, and layered security perimeters. These measures appear to have helped contain isolated incidents and prevented escalation. Violence was limited and primarily confined to isolated clashes and disruptions between rival supporters.  Major incidents included two crude bomb blasts at centers in Gopalganj and Munshiganj, which resulted in injuries and suspended polling at these locations. However, polling later resumed.  

World leaders on Saturday intensified calls for a stronger and more self-reliant Europe as the second day of the Munich Security Conference got underway, against the backdrop of deepening geopolitical tensions and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Addressing the conference, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union must fully activate its mutual defence commitments under its founding treaty, stressing that collective defence was not optional but a binding obligation. She said Europe had a duty to stand together in the face of aggression, calling it a defining principle of the bloc. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that Russia’s aggression extended far beyond Ukraine, threatening Europe’s security, social cohesion and economic stability through disinformation, cyberattacks and sabotage. He said Moscow was continuing to rearm even as the war dragged on, underscoring the need for Europe to strengthen its military capabilities. Starmer said Europe must build credible hard power to deter aggression and, if necessary, be ready to fight to protect its people, values and way of life. He argued that the path ahead was clear and required greater investment, coordination and resolve in defence. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking earlier, urged European allies to adapt to what he described as a new direction in the transatlantic relationship under the administration of US President Donald Trump. While expressing strong cultural and historical ties with Europe, Rubio said the United States wanted allies capable of defending themselves and called for a renewal of the partnership to meet current global realities. Rubio was critical of the effectiveness of global institutions, saying the United Nations had played virtually no role in resolving major conflicts, including the war in Gaza. He said reforms were needed to ensure international bodies could respond more effectively to modern crises. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel said Europe had been slow to recognise that the post-Cold War world order was already under strain, noting that the inability of the UN Security Council to resolve conflicts had exposed the system’s weaknesses. He said recent US statements had jolted Europe into confronting a harsher global reality and the need to take greater responsibility for its own defence. On the opening day of the conference, French President Emmanuel Macron called for a strong and capable Europe, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged growing strains between Europe and the United States but said the alliance must adapt rather than fracture. The 62nd edition of the conference, being held at the Bayerischer Hof in Munich, has brought together more than 60 heads of state and government, dozens of international organisation leaders and delegates from over 115 countries, with security in Europe, Ukraine and the future of the transatlantic alliance dominating discussions.   With inputs from ALJAZEERA

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday congratulated the people of Bangladesh after his party’s landslide victory in the 13th national election, declaring that ‘we all are free from today’. “This victory belongs to Bangladesh, to democracy and to the pro-democracy people,” Tarique said at his first press conference following the national election, held at a city hotel. In his opening remarks, the BNP chief thanked voters for overcoming ‘all obstacles’ to pave the way for restoring democracy. “With your spontaneous participation, after more than a decade and a half, a parliament and government accountable to the people through direct votes are set to be established,” he said, urging unity to ensure that “no force can ever again impose fascism or turn the country into a subservient state.” Tarique thanked the 51 political parties that took part in the election, saying political parties are the “beacons of democracy” in a democratic state. The BNP chairman called on both the government and opposition to play responsible roles to institutionalise democracy. “Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country we are one. National unity is our strength; division is our weakness,” he added, stating that constructive and democratic opinions from all parties would be important in state governance. Referring to the country’s ‘fragile economic and constitutional structures’ and a ‘collapsed law and order situation’, Tarique sought cooperation from all quarters in rebuilding the state framework. Reaffirming commitment to implementing the July Charter, he said BNP had presented a state reform outline and later finalised a 31-point agenda through consultations with democratic parties and citizens nationwide. “We are committed to gradually implementing every promise made to the people.” Expressing gratitude to party activists for their years of sacrifice, Tarique urged them to act responsibly. “Your biggest responsibility now is to build the country.” Stressing the importance of rule of law, Tarique Rahman said peace and order must be maintained ‘at any cost’, warning that no wrongdoing or illegal activity would be tolerated. “Regardless of party affiliation, religion, caste or opinion, attacks by the powerful on the weak will not be accepted under any pretext. Law will be applied equally to every citizen in accordance with due process,” he said. Tarique also cautioned against turning electoral rivalries into vengeance. “Misunderstandings may have arisen during competition in the field, but such differences must not turn into revenge or retaliation.” He thanked the interim government, the Election Commission, public administration officials, law enforcement agencies, the armed forces and polling officials for organising what he described as a fair election. Paying tribute to former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Tarique said her absence at a “moment of national joy” was deeply felt. “She fought uncompromisingly against fascism, never yielding to autocracy. On issues concerning the country and the people, she remained steadfast.” Tarique calls for unity to build ‘humane Bangladesh’ Tarique prayed for the departed souls of those who laid down their lives for democracy from the 1971 Liberation War to 2024, and wished speedy recovery to those injured in the July uprising. He sought cooperation from all political forces, expatriate Bangladeshis and democratic communities worldwide in building a ‘safe, humane and democratic Bangladesh’. Senior BNP leaders, including members of the party’s standing committee, as well as local and foreign journalists, were present at the press conference.

The United Nations (UN) has congratulated Bangladesh on holding the elections and a referendum and reiterated its commitment to supporting Bangladesh in its effort to build a peaceful and prosperous future.  “The Secretary-General (António Guterres), as he does often after many elections, he encourages all political stakeholders to build on the momentum so as to strengthen national cohesion, uphold the democratic norms and the rule of law,” Spokesman for the Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric told reporters at a regular briefing at the UN headquarters on Friday (February 13). The UN chief encouraged all political stakeholders to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by all, and protecting minorities as the country advances its transition and pursues inclusive and sustainable reform. “Look, we were not observers to the elections, so it's not for us to give a grade, so to speak, if that's the intent of your question. What I can tell you that we of course, congratulate the people of Bangladesh for the holding of the elections, legislative elections and a referendum,” said the spokesman while responding to a question. “But we continue to be committed to supporting Bangladesh in its effort to build a peaceful and prosperous future,” he added. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday had telephone conversations with BNP Chairman  Tarique Rahman, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party chief Nahid Islam, and called on everyone to work together to fulfill the expectations of the people of Bangladesh. He thanked them for playing a responsible role after the election and expressed optimism that the political parties would continue to play a similarly cooperative and positive role in the future to continue the democratic trend. The Election Commission (EC) has already published the two separate gazette notifications of the 297 Members of Parliament. Earlier on Thursday last, the voting was held in 299 out of 300 constituencies across the country in the 13th parliamentary election and referendum on July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025. Commonwealth Observer Group calls Bangladesh election fair, orderly The election in Sherpur-3 constituency was earlier cancelled following the death of a contesting candidate. The EC on Friday announced the unofficial results of 297 constituencies and kept the results of Chattogram-2 and 4 constituencies postponed in the line of the court orders.  

Supporters of BNP candidates staged protests and road blockades in Pirgachha and Launia upazilas of Rangpur district on Saturday, demanding a recount of votes in Rangpur-4 and Rangpur-6 constituencies over allegations result manipulation. From the morning, a shutdown was observed in Haragachh area under Rahngpur-4 with traders and locals joining the protest, claiming that vote rigging deprived BNP candidate Emdadul Haque Bhorsa of victory. Demonstrators blocked Haragachh–Rangpur road, burning tyres and halting vehicular movement from Friday afternoon until around midnight at Haqbazar in Kaunia upazila. JP candidate alleges harassment by NCP in Rangpur BNP leaders and activists gathered there and warned of tougher programmes if votes are not recounted. In Pirgachha upazila town, BNP supporters also brought out processions and held rallies urging the Election Commission and the district returning officer to quickly recount the votes. BNP candidate Bhorsa alleged that about 8,500 votes were rejected under suspicious circumstances and claimed that supporters of rival candidate Akhtar Hossain created mobs between 3pm and 5pm on polling day with alleged administrative backing to change the results. He issued an ultimatum for a recount, warning of stricter agitation otherwise. Rangpur poised for tight electoral battle as AL reserve votes look decisive Rejecting the allegations, winning candidate Akhtar Hossain of NCP claimed BNP activists attacked NCP supporters, vandalised houses, looted property and damaged motorcycles. BNP denied the accusations. According to unofficial results, Akhtar Hossain won Rangpur-4 with 149,966 votes while Bhorsa secured 140,564 votes. In Rangpur-6 (Pirgachha), Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Maulana Nurul Amin won with 120,128 votes, while Saiful Islam got 117,703 votes.

The acting mayor of Hebron has warned that Israel’s latest legal and administrative measures in the occupied West Bank amount to the effective end of meaningful negotiations with the Palestinians, saying they leave local authorities powerless and unprotected. Asma al-Sharabati said recent decisions approved by Israel’s security cabinet would sideline Palestinian institutions from urban planning and development, even in areas officially under Palestinian administration. She described the move as “the end of the road” for the peace process, arguing that Palestinians were being excluded from decisions shaping their own cities. Hebron, a frequent flashpoint, is a deeply divided city where several hundred Israeli settlers live under heavy military protection among tens of thousands of Palestinians. Under arrangements set out in the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, parts of the city remain under Palestinian civil control, while others are overseen by Israel. On Sunday, Israel approved sweeping changes that expand its authority beyond military occupation into civilian and municipal affairs in Palestinian-run areas. The measures also grant Israel broad powers over so-called heritage sites across the West Bank, citing the protection of water, environmental and archaeological resources. Among the changes, Israel said it would assume planning authority at the Cave of the Patriarchs, one of Judaism’s holiest sites, which is located within Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque compound. Palestinian officials fear the new rules allow Israel to declare properties or land as historic sites and take control without Palestinian consent. “Now they can simply declare any building ancient, and Palestinian authorities have no say at all in planning or development,” al-Sharabati said, adding that she learned of the details through Israeli media rather than formal notification. Palestinian activist Issa Amro, who lives in the highly volatile H2 area of Hebron, said the measures marked a turning point. He argued that actions previously taken without a clear legal basis were now being formalised. “This is annexation without rights,” he said, warning that the status of the territory was being shifted from occupation to a unilateral legal claim. Israel has also said it plans to provide municipal services directly to Jewish settlers in Hebron and to open up land ownership across the West Bank to private Israeli citizens. Palestinians are prohibited from selling property to non-Palestinians under both Jordanian-era and Palestinian laws, and activists warn that planned publication of land registry data could expose sellers to serious risks. The West Bank, along with Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem, is home to more than 700,000 Israeli settlers. Palestinians seek the territory for a future independent state, together with the Gaza Strip. The settlements are considered illegal under international law. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who oversees settlement policy, said the measures were intended to deepen Israel’s presence across what he calls Judea and Samaria, declaring openly that they would “bury the idea of a Palestinian state.” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called for a firm response from the United States, saying the decisions violate international law and undermine regional peace efforts. US President Donald Trump has so far reiterated his opposition to Israel’s formal annexation of the West Bank but has not announced concrete steps. The United Kingdom, which last year recognised a Palestinian state, said it strongly condemned the Israeli decision. UK Middle East minister Hamish Falconer said London expected the measures to be reversed, calling them a serious mistake that risked further destabilising the region. Al-Sharabati said Palestinians felt abandoned by the international community. “We are living the ugly truth that we are not protected,” she said, adding that while global attention remains focused on Gaza, developments in Hebron and across the West Bank could have lasting consequences for any future peace efforts in the Middle East.   With inputs from BBC

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday called on all political forces to stay united and work together to build ‘humane Bangladesh’. He described his party’s landslide victory in the national election as not just a triumph for the BNP, but also a victory for Bangladesh and for pro-democracy forces across the country. At a press conference held at a city hotel, Tarique Rahman also congratulated all 51 political parties that participated in the election. Emphasising the importance of unity, he said, “National unity is strength, division is weakness.” We recognise overall election outcome: Jamaat Ameer   He urged all parties to rise above differences and collaborate for the overall development of Bangladesh. “Time has come for collective efforts to strengthen democracy and ensure a stable, inclusive future for the nation.” According to unofficial results, the BNP secured 209 seats in the parliamentary polls.  Tarique Rahman was elected from both Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 constituencies. Members of the BNP Standing Committee were also present at the press conference.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday called for closer ties between the United Kingdom and the European Union, warning that Europe must be prepared to defend itself in an increasingly unstable world, as he addressed the Munich Security Conference. Speaking on defence and security, Starmer said Europe could no longer rely on old assumptions and must be ready to use hard power if necessary to safeguard peace. He stressed that while Europe does not seek conflict, the reality of the age demands credible military strength. Starmer announced that the UK would deploy a carrier strike group to the North Atlantic and the High North later this year, describing the move as a powerful demonstration of Britain’s commitment to Euro-Atlantic security. He said the deployment would be carried out alongside the United States, Canada and other Nato allies. The British leader argued that Europe has underinvested in defence for years, sheltered by the US security umbrella, resulting in fragmented and inefficient capabilities. He said the war in Ukraine had exposed those weaknesses and created an urgent need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. Calling Europe a “sleeping giant” in defence terms, Starmer said the continent’s combined economic strength far outweighed that of Russia but had not been translated into effective military power. He urged European nations to spend more, coordinate better and strengthen a more European-focused Nato while maintaining strong transatlantic ties. On relations with Washington, Starmer said the United States remained an indispensable ally and that the UK’s cooperation with the US on defence, security and intelligence was as strong as ever. He cautioned Europe against complacency or drifting away from the transatlantic partnership, saying it must be adapted to present-day challenges rather than weakened. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who also addressed the conference, said the European way of life was being challenged in new ways and that Europe had no choice but to strengthen its independence in defence, technology and security. She argued that a stronger Europe would ultimately reinforce, not undermine, the transatlantic alliance. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the conference that the United States and Europe belonged together, even as he criticised European approaches to climate policy and migration and questioned the effectiveness of the United Nations in resolving conflicts. Despite clear differences between Europe and the United States, Starmer and other speakers emphasised the need to repair strains in the transatlantic relationship and to respond collectively to growing global security threats, with Ukraine remaining a central concern of the summit.   With inputs from BBC

Faridpur, Feb 14 (UNB) – Twenty people were injured in a clash between two groups of villagers over establishing supremacy at Mayendia Bazar in Faridpur district on Saturday. Mahmudul Hasan, assistant superintendent of (Saltha-Nagarkanda) circle, said Mannan Matubbar, chairman of Poromeshwari union in Boalmari upazila and Tulu Mia-Zihad Mia of Saltha upazila had been at loggerheads over establishing supremacy in the area. As a sequel to the enmity, an altercation ensued between the supporters of both groups at Mayendia Bazar in the middle of Saltha and Boalmari upazilas around 10 am. Bus-truck collision leaves 2 dead in Faridpur At one stage, both groups equipped with lethal weapons attacked each other, leaving 20 people injured. A number of houses were vandalised and set on fire during the clash. On information, police and army personnel rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Police also arrested some people along with locally made weapons, said police. ​​​​​​​Two brothers among 3 killed as train hits pickup in Faridpur